Georgia schools build special menus from locally-grown food

Some schools are purchasing food items from nearby farms while school is in session, while others contract with farmers to freeze produce to use throughout the school year.

JACKSON COUNTY, Ga.—Fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and meats are the emerging stars of school menus across Georgia.

“Farm to school [programs] and bringing local foods into the school has been increasingly popular over the last couple of years,” said Nancy Rice, state director of the Department of Education’s school nutrition division.

Some schools purchase produce from nearby farms while school is in session, Rice said, while a few contract with local farmers who freeze summer produce that can be used during the school year.